Blog Marketing and Blog Ads : SocialSpark

You can subscribe to this blog via RSS

Aspen Gay Ski Week Celebrates 32 Years - Jan...

788 Words : Posted 01.06.09

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/aspen_gay_ski_week.jpg"></DIV><A href="http://www.gayskiweek.com" target=_blank>Aspen Gay Ski Week</A>, the nation’s largest and oldest gay ski event, will celebrate its 32nd anniversary this week, January 11-18, 2009.
“We have pulled out all the stops for this year’s gay ski week, themed ‘Fire & Ice,’ featuring après ski events, comedy night, and the popular downhill costume competition,” remarked Bryan Gonzales, co-producer of Aspen Gay Ski Week and Executive Director of Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund. 
The week’s events also include a Prince cover band, “Purple Reign,” a the  SnowBall.  Comedy Night at the Wheeler Opera House showcases top comics Mark Alan Smith, Erin Foley, Scott Kennedy, and Paul Williams—the producer of the show and hilarious emcee of the downhill costume contest.
“Opening in November 2008, the new Limelight Lodge will be the host hotel for Aspen Gay Ski Week,” said Gonzales.  “The 20 person hot tubs at the Limelight will be the perfect spot for après ski sightings.” 
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/aspen21.jpg"></DIV> When you think of  a  gay ski weekend, you don't usually think water! Right after the Gay vs. Straight Hockey Game, there is a   very popular pool party!  See if you can make it all the way down the waterslide without spilling a drop of your martini!  Be sure and bring a suit!  Swoosh down the slide or grab a floatie and head down the "lazy river" drinks in hand.  They’ll be a DJ for some musical accompaniment to your time in the hot tub or boards!
 
<A href="http://www.gayskiweek.com" target=_blank>Event passes and lodging are still available</A>.  Check out the entire schedule and to purchase event passes, lodging, and ski lift tickets.  
 Aspen Gay Ski Week is a fundraiser for Roaring Fork Gay & Lesbian Community Fund.  This year, a portion of the proceeds from Gay Ski Week activities, pass sales, and lift ticket purchases will directly benefit the <A href="http://www.gayskiweek.com/new/s-109.htm" target=_blank>Western Colorado AIDS Project</A>, as well as local schools.
Founded over a decade ago to provide services for the Roaring Fork Valley community, the Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF) hosts parties, educational forums, and special events, such as Aspen Gay Ski Week. The efforts of this volunteer group of men and women have allowed RFGLCF to become a philanthropic gay and lesbian community.  The organization has provided tens of thousands of dollars to schools and various charities of gay and lesbian interest and elevates Aspen’s reputation as a prominent gay and lesbian travel destination.  </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/aspen gay ski week" rel=tag>aspen gay ski week</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/western colorado aids project" rel=tag>western colorado aids project</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/roaring fork gay lesbian community fund" rel=tag>roaring fork gay lesbian community fund</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay hockey" rel=tag>gay hockey</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay pool party" rel=tag>gay pool party</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay costumes" rel=tag>gay costumes</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

Gay Penguins In China Making Excellent Parents!

909 Words : Posted 01.03.09

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/gay_penguins_in_china.jpg"></DIV>Back in the fall, two male "gay" penguins in China  started stealing eggs in an effort to become gay daddies! They started placing stones at the feet of  other penquin parents before waddling away with their eggs, in a bid to hide their theft! 
But the deception was  noticed by other penguins at the zoo, who  ostracised the gay couple from their group. So zoo keepers  decided to segregate the pair of three-year-old male birds to avoid disrupting the rest of the community during the hatching season. 
A keeper at <A href="http://english.northeast.cn/system/2008/09/01/000077889.shtml" target=_blank>Polar Land in Harbin</A>, north east China explained that the gay couple had the natural urge to become fathers, despite their sexuality. 
"One of the responsibilities of being a male adult is looking after the eggs. Despite this being a biological impossibility for this couple, the natural desire is still there," a keeper told the Austrian Times newspaper. 
"It's not discrimination. We have to fence them separately, otherwise the whole group will be disturbed during hatching time," he added. So zookeepers gave the pair two eggs laid by an inexperienced first-time mother last month. 
'We decided to give them two eggs from another couple whose hatching ability had been poor and they've turned out to be the best parents in the whole zoo,' said one of the keepers.
'It's very encouraging and if this works out well we will try to arrange for them to become real parents themselves with artificial insemination.'
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/tangomakes.jpg"></DIV> There are numerous examples of homosexuality in the animal kingdom, but gay penguins have captured the public's attention more than any other species.
 
A German zoo provoked outrage from gay lobby groups after attempting to mate a group of gay male penguins with Swedish female birds who were flown in especially to seduce them. But the project was abandoned after the males refused to be "turned", showing no interest in their would-be mates. 
In 2002 a couple of penguins at a New York zoo who had been together for eight years were "outed" when keepers noticed that they were both males and had seemed to  pair up!  Roy and Silo, two chinstrap penguins at the <A href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/02/07/MNG3N4RAV41.DTL" target=_blank>Central Park Zoo in Manhattan</A>, were completely devoted to each other. At one time, the two seemed so desperate to incubate an egg together that they put a rock in their nest and sat on it, keeping it warm in the folds of their abdomens, said their chief keeper, Rob Gramzay. Finally, he gave them a fertile egg that needed care to hatch. Things went perfectly, and a chick, Tango, was born. And so was the book! <A href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0689878451?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwinsideyour-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0689878451">And Tango Makes Three</A><IMG style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height=1 alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwinsideyour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0689878451" width=1 border=0> . What's strange is when offered female companionship, they adamantly refused it. And the females  were not interested in them, either. Then after Tango was hatched, homewrecker Scrappy, a single female newly arrived from SeaWorld in San Diego, caught Silo's eye.
"Silo and Roy stopped spending as much time together or building a nest," said the curator of animals at the zoo.
Silo promptly moved in with Scrappy, building a new nest with her. Zookeepers were at a loss to explain Silo's sudden conversion.
So I guess Silo was really bi?! 
  </BLOCKQUOTE>

New Years Eve Around The World - With Your New ...

2101 Words : Posted 12.31.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/gay_new_york_city_new_years.jpg"></DIV>NEW YEARS EVE is such a crazy night! Where will you be??? I found a blog called <A href="http://blog.culturemob.com/new-years-eve-parties-in-new-york-city" target=_blank>CULTURE MOB</A>  who summed it up best...2009 is waiting for us right around the corner, and along with it comes a fresh start and a new chance to create and mold your life into one of which you have always dreamed. <A title="bush sad face" href="http://www.politicspolitical.com/people/images/george_w_bush_sad_face_flag.jpg" target=_blank>So maybe 2008 wasn’t the best year ever for you</A>; perhaps your new home was repossessed, you had to sell your hybrid car to buy gasoline, you were laid off from your dream job and now can’t find even find a part-time gig bussing tables. Some jerk stole your iPhone out of your car, your stocks are worth less than Britney Spears’ new album... 
  At this point, there is only one thing left to do: PARTY YOUR BRAINS OUT!
When all else fails, we must gather around us those whom we love and revel in the simple joys of warm human companionship that cost nothing, drink a cheap domestic brew or five (get your buzz on AND support the national economy), indulge in the free aerobic entertainment known as dancing and let your soul be soothed by music. This is NOT the year to spend New Year’s Eve sitting at home in front of your TV with a belly full of pepperoni Hot Pockets and a string of Jagermeister-flavored drool hanging off your pouty lower lip. Get out there and join your friends in celebration of what lies ahead, because let’s admit it, folks, it can’t get much worse than this!
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/new_years_gay_new_york.jpg"></DIV> <A href="http://www.bestgaynewyork.com/" target=_blank>NEW YORK CITY</A> is probably one of the biggest celebrations in the world. Tickets and reservations are actually  STILL AVAILABLE at a site called  <A href="http://www.newyears.com/" target=_blank>NEW YEARS .com</A>  for some of the big restaurant and club parties.  The  <A href="http://bestgaynewyork.com/2008/12/19/christmas-and-new-years-in-gay-new-york-with-the-saint-at-large.aspx?ref=rss" target=_blank>SAINT AT LARGE</A> will be a big gay dance party, that is sure to be happening and full of hot men! Here in the US,  LAS VEGAS has a big shin-dig also.The Strip fills with revelers (mostly straight, of course). Fireworks light up the sky. The casinos are body-to-body, the showrooms filled with A-list entertainers and Vegas is more gloriously alive than you've ever seen it. New Year's Eve in Vegas is a world-class celebration.  Legendary <A href="http://www.kravelasvegas.com/" target=_blank>Hex Hector will be spinning at KRAVE</A>, for the gay and gay friendly crowd. 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/gay_travel_new_year_fireworks.jpg"></DIV> Tired of the bar and club scene? Had your fill of special menus? Check out this list of <A href="http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/tickets/new-years-eve-london-events-feature-445.html" target=_blank>New Years Eve London </A>events and parties guaranteed to start off 2009 with a bang.  According to Time Out London, Best for disco dancin’! is  <A href="http://www.timeout.com/london/clubs/event/123921/horse-meat-disco.html">Horse Meat Disco</A> at Cargo clinches it with their resident DJ stars.  Best for non-stop cosmopolitan party people is The <A href="http://www.timeout.com/london/clubs/event/123918/abstract-s-rio-carnival-white-and-gold-ball.html">Rio Carnival Black & White Ball at EGG</A> has Brazilians, Brits, Americans, South Africans and Danish DJs, and the after party goes on well into 2009. Wear white. <A href="http://www.discodamaged.typepad.com/" target=_blank>Disco Damaged</A>  says Two venues, two different vibes...Barcode Vauxhall The unbeatable Barcode party vibe with Barcode resident DJ’s, pryos and Barcode’s usual sexy, up for it crowd. Open from 4pm until 8am. DJ’s: Faye Lanson, Tony Junior, Mattias, Saki and Astroboy.  or...Barcode Soho A relaxed and social vibe - Ben Jammin mixes up soul and disco with current favorites. A perfect way to see in the New Year if you fancy something a little different from the mega-discos. 
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/new_year.jpg"></DIV> New Year's Eve in Prague is party night. The restaurants and river boats are full of people all evening, and the atmosphere gently building. Towards midnight the squares and the banks of the river fill, as people gather to admire fireworks over the city. Lots of fireworks at midnight, of course. The first is to assemble anywhere on, or overlooking, the river: this means <A href="http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=598">Charles Bridge</A>, <A href="http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=604">Petrin Hill</A> and <A href="http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=601">Prague Castle</A>, plus the terraces of the river restaurants and the decks of the river cruise boats (which tend to gather around Charles Bridge). The second option for midnight is the <A href="http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=594">Old Town Square</A>, and to a lesser extent, <A href="http://www.pragueexperience.com/places.asp?PlaceID=605">Wenceslas Square</A>. The Old Town Square in particular is the 'adventurous' option! Fireworks in the air, as well as street level, but it's very safe. The big gay party will be at  <A href="http://www.clubtemple.net/" target=_blank>TEMPLE</A>! Originally Pinocchio, the club was completely redesigned in 2007 to give Prague a totally new venue for it's gay community and visitors. It's a beautiful space and lots of fun people as well as plenty of eye candy! 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG style="WIDTH: 303px; HEIGHT: 222px" height=264 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/Happy_New_Year_from_gay_sydney_australia.jpg" width=331></DIV>  No matter where you are, or how you celebrate, we want to wish you all  a very happy new year, and best wishes for a better 2009 for all of us!  
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG style="WIDTH: 308px; HEIGHT: 179px" height=169 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/new_years_gay_germany.jpg" width=325></DIV>   Thanks  for reading and making The New Gay Travel Guide your number one choice for gay travel information and gay news! Michael  Snell  and  Derrick  Sorles </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/new years eve" rel=tag>new years eve</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay new years eve" rel=tag>gay new years eve</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay new york" rel=tag>gay new york</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay travel" rel=tag>gay travel</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay prague" rel=tag>gay prague</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay london" rel=tag>gay london</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

Zepplin Takes Flight in California - Luxury Travel

564 Words : Posted 12.26.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/zepplin_airship_adventures_california_luxury_travel.jpg"></DIV>"These days, with airlines and security and everything, all the joy has been taken out of travel,” says Brian Hall, CEO of <A href="http://www.airshipventures.com" target=_blank>Airship Ventures</A>, the Mountain View, Calif., company offering zeppelin charter tours of the San Francisco Bay Area. “We’re providing a new perspective on the world and on travel itself.” Indeed, Hall’s company seeks to reintroduce an age of luxury travel that transcends mere passenger transport. While the zeppelin industry failed to subsist following the fiery demise of the ill-fated Hindenburg in 1937, thanks to Airship Ventures and its German partner Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik—the world’s sole zeppelin manufacturer—airship travel is again an option. There are currently three zeppelins in operation around the world (all produced by the aforementioned German company) and, at 246 feet long, the Airship Ventures zeppelin is the largest. 
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/zepplin_airship_adventures_luxury_travel.jpg"></DIV> New technology - The Zeppelin NT is designed to have the highest operating safety standards combined with exceptional passenger comfort and visibility. NT stands for New Technology. 
It is 250 feet long, and nearly 60 feet tall and 65 feet wide! The airship hull, made of a state of the art multi layer laminate material from the same company that creates the NASA space suits, is filled with non-flammable helium.   Even a lightning strike will not affect the flight characteristics – another display of the uncompromising safety philosophy reflected throughout the ship’s construction. 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/zepplin_luxury_air_travel.jpg"></DIV>Departing from three different locations in Northern California, the Airship Ventures zeppelin climbs to an altitude of 1,200 feet and moves at about 35 mph for tours of the Bay and Napa areas. Individual seats are available for $500 per hour; however, Airship Ventures allows the 12-seat cabin to be chartered outright by groups for custom tours.  “After all,” says Hall, “this is about travel, not transportation.” 
 </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/zepplin" rel=tag>zepplin</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/blimp" rel=tag>blimp</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/airship ventures" rel=tag>airship ventures</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/luxury travel" rel=tag>luxury travel</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/california air travel" rel=tag>california air travel</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

Diva Grace Jones is Back! With HURRICANE!

1750 Words : Posted 12.16.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/grace_jones_model_singer.jpg"></DIV> SHE'S BACK! I have been waiting for this for nearly 2 decades!  With  her brand new <A href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001H1OV8S?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwinsideyour-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001H1OV8S">Hurricane</A><IMG style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height=1 alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwinsideyour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001H1OV8S" width=1 border=0> recording, <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Jones" target=_blank>Grace Jones</A>, tosses aside the clubbing hits that launched her onto the dance floor of Studio 54. The vibe that pervades this album is mostly dub. La Jones's latest whirlwind tears up the bass and throws in both a sliver of rock and ever-so-fashionable ska. The work that was begun with Alex Sadkin and Chris Blackwell on Warm Leatherette is taken one step further with Hurricane. Her Royal Graceness is back! This past summer she appeared on stage at the Meltdown Festival in London wearing only a corset and a thong  (not many 60-year-old women - or men - could pull that off, thank you very much!) and some outrageous headgear from  renowned  milliner <A href="http://www.philiptreacy.co.uk/" target=_blank>Philip Treacy</A>. It was as if she had never been out of limelight; the crowd went wild! 
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/grace_jones_hurricane.jpg"></DIV> Grace Jones is a contralto vocalist.  While her image became more notable than her voice, she is in fact a highly stylized vocalist. She sings in two modes: her monotone speak-sing as in songs like "Private Life", "Walking in the Rain", and "The Apple Stretching", and in an almost soprano mode in such songs as "La Vie en Rose" and "Slave to the Rhythm". - She actually recorded  2 albums in the 1990's - but released neither of them. She  started recording  Hurricane early in 2007, so it was over a year in the making. Her voice is still flawless and her music still a melange of reggae-meets-disco-meets-ultra cool industrial-age nightclub.  It still has that timeless groove. With  her haughty delivery and that mix of steel menace and velvet undertones, it still works! Grace was recently asked if she had any regrets about her very public story replete with sex (remember <A href="http://www.dolphlundgren.com/" target=_blank>Dolph Lundgren</A>?) , drugs, rock 'n' roll....to which she said, "Oh God, NO!  It's the abuse that is bad for you, not the use." 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG height=294 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/grace_jones_hurricane_2.jpg" width=256></DIV> Lucky people  outside the US will get the amazing opportunity to see Grace Jones perform live in 2009! Jan 10 2009 8:00P          The Sydney Festival Sydney Jan 11-14 2009 8:00P         The Enmore Sydney Jan 19 2009 7:30P                 Birmingham Symphony Hall Birmingham Jan 21 2009 7:30P              The Sage Gateshead Gateshead, Northeast Jan 22 2009 7:30P              Glasgow Clyde Auditorium Glasgow, Scotland Jan 24 2009 7:30P               Manchester Apollo Manchester, Northwest Jan 25 2009 7:30P                 Bristol Colston Hall Bristol, Southwest Jan 27-30  2009 7:30P         London Roundhouse London, London and South East Mar 16 2009 8:00P      Ancienne Belgique Brussels Mar 17 2009 8:00P      Tempodrom Berlin Mar 19 2009 8:00P       Paradiso Amsterdam Mar 22 2009 8:00P        Grand Rex Paris Mar 25 2009 8:00P        Jahrhuderthalle Frankfurt Mar 26 2009 8:00P        Phillipshalle Dusseldorf Mar 28 2009 8:00P         Cirkus Stockholm Mar 30 2009 8:00P          Falkoner Theatre Copenhagen     
<IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/l_8341a3be06d74bc5a27b493e3673a8c2.gif"> Watch the <A href="http://www.myspace.com/gracejonesofficial" target=_blank>video, listen to tracks from Hurricane, and be her friend, on MySpace</A>!                                                                                                                                    <IFRAME style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginWidth=0 marginHeight=0 src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wwwinsideyour-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B001H1OV8S&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameBorder=0 scrolling=no></IFRAME></BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/grace jones " rel=tag>grace jones </A><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/hurricane" rel=tag>hurricane</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/philip treacy" rel=tag>philip treacy</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/dolph lundgren" rel=tag>dolph lundgren</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

Chi Chi LaRue Opens Store in West Hollywood

541 Words : Posted 12.17.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG style="WIDTH: 272px; HEIGHT: 419px" height=460 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/chi_chi_larue_retail_store_west_hollywood.jpg" width=272></DIV> While more companies are setting up shop online to avoid the overhead costs of a bricks and mortar store, porn directrix Chi Chi LaRue is doing the opposite. She  <A href="http://www.xbiz.com/news/glbt/102202" target=_blank>opened a brand new shop</A>  last week  on Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood.
The who's-who of porn  and We-Ho showed up!  Barrett Long, Blake Riley, Tyler Saint, Johnny Hazzard...Mayor of WeHo Jeffrey Prang, gossip writer Billy Masters, and scenesters Perez Hilton and Bobby Trendy. The store will carry the whole <A href="http://mpa3.c1r.com/hit.php?s=3&p=8&w=40051477&t=0&c=&cs=0" target=_blank>Channel 1 catalog</A>, including All Worlds Video and Catalina Video, and will also offer Rascal Video titles. A catalog of more than 2000 titles. “This is the first time a customer will be able to find every Rascal, All Worlds, Catalina and Dirk Yates title under one roof,” C1R partner Rob Novinger said. “It is physically impossible for retailers to stock our full library.” Toys and other novelty items will also be available. As well as some clothing, photo books and gift items. An exclusive arrangement has also been made with One Condoms to provide all the protective barrier products for the store. “This place is going to be over-the-top fabulous,” LaRue said. “I’m thrilled to be opening a store where customers can come and get the full Chi Chi experience.” -  what does that mean exactly??? 8932 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/chi chi larue" rel=tag>chi chi larue</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/perez hilton" rel=tag>perez hilton</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/jeffrey prang" rel=tag>jeffrey prang</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/c1r" rel=tag>c1r</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/channel 1" rel=tag>channel 1</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/weho" rel=tag>weho</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

I AM BECAUSE WE ARE: A Holiday Gift that Saves ...

629 Words : Posted 12.11.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/ashburn_i_am_because_we_are_aids__book.jpg"> <A href="http://powerhousebooks.com/IABWA/" target=_blank>I AM BECAUSE WE ARE</A>, a powerful new work of photojournalism documenting the AIDS pandemic in southern Africa. This new collection by award-winning photographer <A href="http://www.kristenashburn.com/" target=_blank>Kristen Ashburn</A>, a companion piece to <A href="http://www.iambecauseweare.com/" target=_blank>Madonna's documentary film </A>  by the same title, takes an intimate look into the lives of seven of the 1 million Malawian children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Make sure to catch the film if you can, which runs on the Sundance channel until December 17. 
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/ap_madonna_africa_i_am_because_we_are.jpg"></DIV>The title is derived from the concept of “Ubuntu,” an idea in African spirituality that states that all of humanity is connected, that we cannot be ourselves without community, that an individual’s well-being is dependent upon the well-being of others.  These heart-wrenching stories are a call to action. In Malawi, a country of 13 million people, over one million are orphans. Looking into the hearts and minds of children who have endured unimaginable suffering, the book provides an unflinching view of life at the center of the global AIDS crisis. This is not just a story about orphans in Malawi, but about global responsibility and human interconnectedness.  All author proceeds will go directly to <A href="http://www.raisingmalawi.org/" target=_blank>Raising Malawi,</A> a non-profit dedicated to providing community-based assistance to Malawian children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. 
Pre-order  <A href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1576874826?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwinsideyour-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1576874826">I Am Because We Are</A><IMG style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height=1 alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwinsideyour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1576874826" width=1 border=0> NOW! </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/i am because we are" rel=tag>i am because we are</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/madonna" rel=tag>madonna</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/malawi" rel=tag>malawi</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/africa" rel=tag>africa</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/hiv" rel=tag>hiv</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/aids" rel=tag>aids</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

Land of The Sweets - Burlesque Nutcracker in Se...

1013 Words : Posted 12.11.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/114496-106833/land_of_the_sweets_nutcracker_burlesque_chicago.jpg"></DIV>
  If you find yourself in Seattle this holiday season, you'll have to see <A href="http://www.landofthesweets.com/" target=_blank>Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker</A>  - it's the nation's first and only full-blown professional production of the holiday classic—rendered in 1930s burlesque cabaret style. The production seamlessly marries traditional ballet, burlesque, and swing dance. An aerial acrobatic troupe astounds, while a sizzling hot jazz soundtrack of Tchaikovsky's original score gets jam-packed houses jumpin' like it's the swingin'est winter party since the end of prohibition. This year is their third season and they have been adding last-minute extra shows to meet the ecstatic demands of Seattle audiences. Following two annual sold-out runs, Land of the Sweets is doubling the number of Seattle performances for the 2008 season. 


<A href="http://www.landofthesweets.com/backstage.html" target=_blank>Featuring the A-List</A> of American burlesque stars, Land of the Sweets seamlessly marries traditional ballet, burlesque, and swing dance. A sizzling hot jazz soundtrack of Tchaikovsky's original score sets the tone for the swingin'est wintertime party since the end of prohibition. The show also features performances by two prominant queer performers, <A href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g182X9D5orc" target=_blank>Waxie Moon</A> and <A href="http://www.missindigoblue.com/" target=_blank>Miss Indigo Blue!</A> 
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/114496-106833/land_of_the_sweets_nutcracker_burlesque_chicago_2.jpg"></DIV> 
  
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"></DIV>Racy but never raunchy, this show takes us to a fantastic, far-away locale where the characters of the Nutcracker live and play in their off-time. While prim and proper on the music hall stage, these characters have quite a different demeanor in their private lives, and as the party unfolds, we see the famous Nutcracker characters bare almost all with flair and glamour. <A href="http://www.landofthesweets.com/tickets.html" target=_blank>BUY TICKETS ONLINE FOR THE BURLESQUE NUTCRACKER</A> 
                                                                                                         *All photos  by Chris Blakeley </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/land of the sweets" rel=tag>land of the sweets</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/burlesque nutcracker" rel=tag>burlesque nutcracker</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/waxie moon" rel=tag>waxie moon</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/miss indigo blue" rel=tag>miss indigo blue</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/park west " rel=tag>park west </A><A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

There is Nothing Like an Amazing and Intimate V...

993 Words : Posted 12.18.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/best_european_river_cruises_viking.jpg" width=500 border=0></DIV>I never really had an inkling to go on an ocean cruise. Over the last 30 years, I watched as ships got bigger and bigger and bigger! Cruises are like floating cities nowadays! With Rock walls to climb and mini-oceans with waves for surf-boarding! And out on the ocean, there is this vastness of water, water and more water! I guess you are so busy with "activities" on the ship, why do you need a view?! Then I read about river cruises. Specifically, <A href="http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/us/" target=_blank>Viking River Cruises</A>. The world's largest river cruise line, with 23 ships sailing the rivers of Europe, Russia and China. Viking River Cruises provides its passengers with in-depth, culturally rich travel experiences along the world’s great rivers.  The company has been in business for over 150 years so there is a long history that others would be hard pressed to match. Of course, the first priority is the travelers though so VRC tries to accommodate travelers as much as possible.  The company has a 99.8% satisfaction rating for having met, exceeded or far exceeded the expectations of its guests last year. "Our passengers have high expectations of us, and we work very hard every year to meet and surpass those expectations!" 
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/best_europe_european_river_cruise_cruises_viking1.jpg" width=500 border=0></DIV> Due to their smaller size and low draft, river cruise ships can go where ocean cruise ships cannot, and sometimes to where no other transport is practical: rivers are an excellent way to reach some  attractions, for example in Russia and China.   River cruising is an intimate, up-close way to explore your destination. It's a very boutique, hotel-style experience. Viking River Cruises' ships average just 150 passengers, and often dock right in the heart of town, providing "walk off your ship" access into Europe. During river cruises the countryside is usually in view, so they are especially relaxing—and interesting—to those  who prefer land nearby. River cruises usually last from 7 to 15 days, although some can last 3 weeks or longer. 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/best_river_cruises_viking_river_cruises_europe.jpg" width=450 border=0></DIV>
A river cruise provides travelers a unique way to travel. A river cruise represents life in the slow lane, sailing along at a gentle pace, soaking up the scenery, with plentiful opportunities to explore riverside towns and cities en route. It is a supremely calming experience, an antidote to the pressures of life in a fast-paced world, in surroundings that are comfortable without being fussy or pretentious, with good food and enjoyable company.
A river cruise is very different from an ocean cruise. For a start, you are in almost constant sight of land and stops are far more frequent than they are at sea. The vessels are like small, friendly, floating inns, whereas  ocean-going ships tend to be bigger, flashier, busier and livelier, the crew practised in the art of moving up to 4,000 people  from one port to another and getting them on and off the ship. In contrast, when your river cruise vessel docks you simply  walk up the gangway and into the town or city—in many cases the dock is located right at the heart of things. The bottom line is a Viking River Cruise can give you an intimate view  and atmosphere  as well as comfort which spacious staterooms and breathtaking views! Whether you are cruising Berlin to Prague, Switzerland to Belgium, Austria, Germany and even Shanghai or Beijing, THIS IS THE WAY TO TRAVEL AND SEE THE WORLD!  Call your travel agent or request more information directly from <A href="http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/" target=_blank>Viking River Cruises</A> at 1-800-304-9616. </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/viking river cruise" rel=tag>viking river cruise</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/european river cruise" rel=tag>european river cruise</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/best river cruise" rel=tag>best river cruise</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay cruises" rel=tag>gay cruises</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/paris to prague" rel=tag>paris to prague</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/river cruises through europe" rel=tag>river cruises through europe</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com/">Turbo Tagger</A>

Day Without A Gay - Call in Gay!

432 Words : Posted 11.26.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/day_without_a_gay_day.jpg">
On December 10, 2008 the gay community will take a historic stance against hatred by donating love to a variety of different causes.
On December 10, you are encouraged not to call in sick to work. You are encouraged to call in "gay"--and donate your time to service! December 10, 2008 is International Human Rights Day.   <A href="http://daywithoutagay.wetpaint.com/?t=anon" target=_blank>Join us</A>, and search or add to the list of human rights organizations that need our help RIGHT NOW. 
BUT I CAN'T CALL IN AT WORK ON 12/10 OR I'LL GET FIRED! If you live in one of the 30 states where individuals can still be fired simply for being gay or lesbian, there are still plenty of ways that you can lend a hand and a voice in our fight for gay equality--without missing work.  <A href="http://daywithoutagay.wetpaint.com/page/But I Can't Miss Work!?t=anon" target=_blank>FIND OUT what actions</A> you can take RIGHT NOW!
 </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/day without a gay" rel=tag>day without a gay</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/call in gay" rel=tag>call in gay</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/human rights day" rel=tag>human rights day</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

No on H8 Benefit with Margaret Cho, ANT and Ian...

647 Words : Posted 12.05.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG height=219 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/no_on_h8.jpg" width=363></DIV>
 
<DIV class="venue location vcard" about="#venue"> </DIV>
<DIV class="venue location vcard" about="#venue"> </DIV>
<DIV class="venue location vcard" about="#venue"><A href="http://upcoming.yahoo.com/venue/148026/" rel=vcard:url property="vcard:fn">Largo at the Coronet</A> </DIV>
<DIV class="address adr" about="#venue" rel="vcard:adr">
<DIV typeof="vcard:Address">366 N. La Cienega Blvd.     Los Angeles</DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=small> </DIV>
<DIV class=description></DIV>
<A href="http://www.ianharvie.com/programformat.html" target=_blank>The Ian Harvie Show</A> is a comedy/talk show at Largo at the Coronet Theater Wednesday, December 10th at 8pm. This benefit to fight on in the aftermath of the passage of shameful Proposition 8 is a night of comedy, with talented gay comics, including host Ian Harvie, Ant, Alec Mapa, Erin Foley, Jorja Fox and Margaret Cho, Leslie Jordan, and  Music by Jon Brion. This will be a panel discussion with all of the guests about their best/worst/funniest holiday moments and traditions. to benefit Equality California. Door proceeds go to <A href="http://www.eqca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuLRJ9MRKrH&b=4026385" target=_blank>EQ CA</A>.        Ticket Info: $30   <A id=buy-tickets href="http://www.largo-la.com/">Buy Tickets</A>   Mario Lopez  is  going!  <A href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=42493040886" target=_blank>See who else is going on Facebook!</A> </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/eq ca" rel=tag> eq ca</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/no on h8" rel=tag>no on h8</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/largo at the coronet" rel=tag>largo at the coronet</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/ant" rel=tag>ant</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/margaret cho" rel=tag>margaret cho</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/alec mapa" rel=tag>alec mapa</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

Queen Mimosa 3 - QM3 - Fresh Sounds Coming Out ...

700 Words : Posted 12.02.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG style="WIDTH: 288px; HEIGHT: 277px" height=341 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/queen_mimosa_3_paris_france_jonathon.jpg" width=325></DIV>  Paris is the capital and largest city of France.  And Paris is a leading global cultural, business and political centre and is renowned for its defining neo-classical architecture as well as its role as a major international influence in fashion, gastronomy and the arts. So it's no wonder when I stumbled across <A href="http://www.myspace.com/queenmimosa3" target=_blank>QM3 / Queen Mimosa 3</A> on <A href="http://www.mspace.com/" target=_blank>MySpace</A>, this innovative young  hottie was in fact from Paris!  I was first drawn to his very creative <A href="http://newgaytravelguide.com/2007/10/09/pierre-et-gilles--double-je--30th-anniversary-retrospective.aspx" target=_blank>Pierre et Gilles</A>-esque self-portraits. Then I realized the fun electro-pop music playing on his page, was also his creation. His name is Jonathan and he is 21! 
<IMG style="WIDTH: 247px; HEIGHT: 372px" height=462 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/queen_mimosa_3_qm3_jonathon_gay_recording_artist.jpg" width=260> <IMG style="WIDTH: 284px; HEIGHT: 373px" height=417 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/queen_mimosa_3_qms_gay_singer_paris_france.jpg" width=326> Jonathan told me he has been making music since he was about 14 years old.  He launched his MySpace page a little over a year ago, as a way to promote the music he creates and his performances. He can frequently be seen and heard around France and Switzerland performing live, but he is hoping to reach a wider world market as his presence and popularity grows. Since launching the page, he has already had over 105,000  hits and has about  3500 friends. <IMG height=388 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/queen_mimosa_3_qm3_gay_artist_jonathon_france.jpg" width=555> When I asked him about the name Queen Mimosa 3 / QM3 he said, "It's about a character in jean Genet's book "Our Lady of the Flowers"  there is a character in this book name Mimosa 2. So I find it cool to take the name Mimosa 3, like a heritage of the "gay culture"...my real name is Jonathan." He currently has created about 12 songs, and if everything moves forward as planned, they will be available on iTunes this coming February. <A href="http://www.myspace.com/queenmimosa3" target=_blank>Check him out on MySpace</A>! </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/queen mimosa 3" rel=tag>queen mimosa 3</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/qm3" rel=tag>qm3</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay paris" rel=tag>gay paris</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/electro-pop music" rel=tag>electro-pop music</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/our lady of the flowers" rel=tag>our lady of the flowers</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/mimosa 2 " rel=tag>mimosa 2 </A><A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

Starwood and W Hotels spin off new hip chic ALO...

495 Words : Posted 11.30.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/aloft_w_hotels_starwood.jpg"></DIV>From the pictures I have seen, most of the rooms look kind of plain....but the open areas, lobby, food  service areas, fitness center and such look pretty cool and hip. And that's the idea.
 
For the traveler open to possibilities, <A href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/index.html" target=_blank>ALOFT </A>is a fresh, fun, forward-thinking alternative. Breeze into a hotel that offers more than a comfy bed and a friendly smile, and enjoy a whole new travel experience. Energy flows and personalities mingle in a setting that combines urban-influenced design, accessible technology, and a social scene that’s always abuzz.
Energizing public spaces draw you from your room to socialize, or just enjoy the hum of activity as you do your own thing. Sip a drink, read the paper, or work on your laptop in the re:mix(SM) lobby or w xyz(SM) bar, where lighting and music change throughout the day to set the perfect mood. The hotel’s open flow of features and help-yourself services inspire you to step outside the one-size-fits-all travel routine. Customize your stay and celebrate your style in a place where anything can happen.
So far there about <A href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/hotels/index.html" target=_blank>20 hotels open with another 70! scheduled over the next 3 years</A>. Allegedly, they want to provide the equivalent of a $350 a night hotel for about half price. Bring the comforts of luxury hotels to those who enjoy "suites" but who could otherwise only afford a standard room. Check them out and give us your feedback! </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/aloft" rel=tag>aloft</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/w hotel" rel=tag>w hotel</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/starwood" rel=tag>starwood</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/hip hotels" rel=tag>hip hotels</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/hip lounges" rel=tag>hip lounges</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/discount hotels" rel=tag>discount hotels</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

OUT in the OC Series - Holiday Edition - Christ...

2381 Words : Posted 11.25.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/disneyland_christmas_gay_days_anaheim_california.jpg"></DIV>Our <A href="http://newgaytravelguide.com/2008/10/07/out-in-the-oc-tour-series--in-conjunction-with-gay-days-anaheim-and-the-anaheim-orange-county-visitor-and-convention-bureau-new-gay-travel-guide.aspx" target=_blank>OUT IN THE OC series </A>continues with a special holiday edition! We LOVE the holiday season and we LOVE Southern California! What better place to spend a few days during the holiday to really get into the spirit and festive feel! <A href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/tours/detail?name=HolidayTimeTourPage&bhcp=1" target=_blank>DISNEYLAND</A> takes on a special look at Christmas, they go ALL OUT - with the seasonal decorations adding to its already considerable charm. Christmas decorations appear everywhere in Disneyland, but they're the best in Toontown and New Orleans Square. Town Square at the end of Main Street boasts a 60-foot Christmas tree covered with thousands of lights and ornaments. 300,000 lights adorn Small World, there are live reindeer at Big Thunder Ranch and the Haunted Mansion is even all decked out!  From November 21, 2008 through January 4, 2009, the Disneyland resort in <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 /><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Southern California</ST1:PLACE> transforms into a Christmas Wonderland with special Parades, Shows and Entertainment that are sure to make this a memorable holiday season for  everyone who comes to visit! It really must be seen, to be believed! One of this season's highlights is 'Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle' and the three part show which takes place each day. <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O:P>
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/disneyland_castle_at_christmas_gay_anaheim_gay_days_.jpg"></DIV>This park icon is covered in freshly fallen 'snow.' The sparkling towers and turrets are a great backdrop for photos during the day and at night, the Disney magic begins. Twilight brings the start of 'When you Wish'. You'll hear the wind blowing and hear a little child wishing for snow. The mother responds with 'in order for your wishes to come true, you must believe.' With that, snow flurries fill the air and the castle begins to glisten. Later in the evening is the "Believe...in Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular." As the child again wishes for snow, magic and icicles, the snow falls again and Sleeping Beauty Castle becomes more illuminated. The grand finale follows the "When you Believe" fireworks. As 'White Christmas' is performed, icicles appear on the castle as snow falls on Main Street, New Orlean's Square, small world mall and the snow on the castle becomes a jewel like display.  Sensory stimuli  and truly beautiful! <A href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/tours/detail?name=HolidayTimeTourPage&bhcp=1" target=_blank>Only at Disney!</A> </O:P> Anaheim offers probably the greatest array of shop-till-you-drop stores!  Anything and everything you could possibly want or desire can be found in Anaheim!   The <A href="http://www.southcoastplaza.com/" target=_blank>SOUTH COAST PLAZA</A>  is one of California's shining landmarks. It's the most distinguished retail address on the entire West Coast. It's like <A href="http://www.rodeodrive.com/" target=_blank>Rodeo Drive</A>  times TEN. SEVERAL HUNDRED high end stores, it's a mix of museum art, world-class theatre, trendy shops and distinctive dining - all of which has beguiled kings and queens, world leaders, and of course, Hollywood's celebrities. Gucci, Versace, Fendi, Cavalli, Pucci, Dior, Valentino, Tiffany, Hermes, Chanel - it's all here! 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/south_coast_plaza_OC_anaheim_rodeo_drive_gay_shopping_gay_travel.jpg"></DIV>4 concierge locations throughout the building to help you with just about everything - custom gift wrapping, Valet, money exchange, foreign language assistance and more. And during the holiday season there will be lots of events and promotions going on like  Early Bird Discounts starting Black Friday, November 28th, after Thanksgiving Sales, Gift with Purchase thru the holiday season, David Yurman special launch, Molton Brown event, Givenchy and Marc Jacobs parties, and so much more. <A href="http://www.southcoastplaza.com/" target=_blank>Visit the site and look at EVENTS</A>! 128 acres of shopping not enough and still can't find that perfect gift for me? Just across the street from Disneyland is the brand new  <A href="http://www.anaheimgardenwalk.com/" target=_blank>Anaheim Garden Walk. </A>  It is an oasis of outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment in the heart of Orange County. Discover an abundance of retail stores, fine dining restaurants, an upscale bowling lounge and state-of-the-art movie theaters, in a truly unique environment of scenic waterfalls and luxuriously manicured gardens. It's the OC's newest  hot spot for fashion, food and fun! -  50 stores and restaurants open now and more coming soon. 
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG height=265 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/anaheim_garden_walk_gay_shopping_california.jpg" width=392></DIV> Anaheim provides the highest concentration of shopping of anywhere in the country - and probably even the world.  LEGENDARY describes <A href="http://www.thelab.com/" target=_blank>The LAB</A>, O.C.’s renowned urban youth “anti-mall”, is a unique retail complex catering to the lifestyle demands of the trend-setting shopper.  Urban Outfitters anchors an eclectic array of unique and one of a kind shops such as Habit, Eye Five, Great Laundry, Carve, Blends, Arth, Black & Blue, Crew Salon, featuring clothing, hats, gifts, sunglasses, shoes, and housewares. Music, art shows and special events keep customers entertained in a relaxed indoor-outdoor environment. Dining spans health fare at Gypsy Den Café to Cuban cuisine at Habana to Zipangu, the late night sushi lounge.  And just across the street is <A href="http://www.thecampsite.com/" target=_blank>The CAMP </A>offers an innovative shopping community catering to outdoor and action sport enthusiasts through authentic retailers such as A16/Patagonia, Cyclewerks, Active surf/skate/snow shop and more.  Also enjoy a variety of culinary delights at Native Foods vegan restaurant, Village Bakery and the centers’ newest restaurant Aire.  Get certified in a dive pool, buy authentic mountaineering gear, enjoy a cup of coffee with an organic treat, and stroll thru our Co-Op art gallery, all within an ecologically conscious environment. Now I know out of all those choices we just gave you, you can surely find me that special little something! 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/anaheim_white_house_restaurant_bruno_serato.jpg"></DIV>Last but not least, no trip to Anaheim is complete unless you top it off with a special dinner at the famous <A href="http://www.anaheimwhitehouse.com/" target=_blank>Anaheim White House Restaurant!</A>  Located in a beautiful  1909 home with eight different dining areas. The menu features fresh seafood and specialties influenced by proprietor <A href="http://www.anaheimwhitehouse.com/about/bruno.php" target=_blank>Bruno Serato's</A> frequent trips to his hometown of Verona, Italy. The restaurant  has won many awards and is featured on several  "best of" lists!  Bruno delivers award-winning excellence and signature entrees. And his philosophy is simple: to treat each and every one of his patrons as a distinguished guests in his home. PRESENTATION is everything here. The food is beautiful and picture perfect and each room is beautifully decorated. For nearly twenty years the Anaheim White House has been serving what Zagat Guide has called "excellent Northern Italian fare" with "superb service."  
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG style="WIDTH: 271px; HEIGHT: 377px" height=562 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/food_filet_anaheim_white_house_restaurant_california.jpg" width=282></DIV> Last year Bruno published the most unique cookbook of the year.  <A href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615142583?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwinsideyour-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0615142583">Temptation at The White House</A><IMG style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; MARGIN: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" height=1 alt="" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwinsideyour-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0615142583" width=1 border=0> is Bruno's provocative interpretation of how food and sensuality go hand in hand.  Never before released recipes were paired with photographs of his visually stunning food and equally stunning bare chested  male models, photographed by the distinguished <A href="http://www.greggormanphotography.com/" target=_blank>Greg Gorman</A>. "With so many cookbooks on the market, I wanted to create something completely different," said Serato. "It has long been understood that there is a link between sensuality and food and it's that connection that I witness every day in my restaurant." - The book is sure to heat up more than just kitchens! For a complete calendar of events, more information on where to go and what to see, maps and directions and a listing of Orange County hotels, please visit:   
<DIV align=center><A href="http://www.anaheimoc.org/" target=_blank><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/gay_travel_guide_anaheim_oc_orange_county_visitor_convention_bureau_gay_days_200.gif" border=0></A> </DIV><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/Gay Days Anaheim " rel=tag> Gay Days Anaheim </A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/Anaheim Orange County Visitor Convention Bureau" rel=tag>Anaheim Orange County Visitor Convention Bureau</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/Anaheim White House" rel=tag>Anaheim White House</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/Gay California" rel=tag>Gay California</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/Gay Travel" rel=tag>Gay Travel</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/Gay Travel Guide" rel=tag>Gay Travel Guide</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/SOUTH COAST PLAZA " rel=tag>SOUTH COAST PLAZA </A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/Anaheim Garden Walk" rel=tag>Anaheim Garden Walk</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/The Lab" rel=tag>The Lab</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/The Camp" rel=tag>The Camp</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/Bruno Serato" rel=tag>Bruno Serato</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/Temptation At The White House" rel=tag>Temptation At The White House</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com/">Turbo Tagger</A></BLOCKQUOTE>

Stop the Bigotry: Legalize Gay Marriage For The...

856 Words : Posted 11.25.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/Petition_for_gay_rights_gay_marriage_gay_travel_2.jpg"></DIV> IN America, we are granted with FREEDOM OF SPEECH. We may not always agree with someone's views, but it is their choice to have their own opinion. All the drama around Prop 8 in California has escalated, out of control. 
 
A supporter of California's Proposition 8, fed up with what he believed was the gay community's and "liberal media's" refusal to accept the voters' verdict against same-sex marriage, fired off a letter to the editor.
"Please show respect for democracy," he wrote to the San Francisco Chronicle. 
 What he encountered instead was an utter lack of respect for free speech.
Within hours, the intimidation game was on. Because his real name and city were listed -- a condition for publication of letters to The Chronicle -- opponents of Prop. 8 used Internet search engines to find the letter writer's small business, his Web site (which included the names of his children and dog), his phone number and his clients. And they posted that information in the "Comments" section of SFGate.com -- urging, in ugly language, retribution against the author's business and its identified clients. We can not intimidate people that don't have the same beliefs as  we do! We can try to educate them. And we try to move on, move forward, with positive iniatives. Step around the "haters" and don't spend your energy there. 
Papers  have already been filed with the Supreme Courts in an attempt to overturn the YES ON 8. And <A href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-the-bigotry-legalize-gay-marriage-for-the-whole-united-states" target=_blank>this petition </A>is being circulated  by <A href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/6/14/76b" target=_blank>John Smithers</A>, who I met thru the <A href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=48627" target=_blank>Human Rights Campaign Group</A> on <A href="http://www.linkedin.com" target=_blank>LinkedIn</A>. And  it is  being sent to the President of the United States, United States House of Representatives, United States Senate. <A href="http://newgaytravelguide.com/2008/11/19/obama-posts-his-campaign-pledges-on-lgbt-rights.aspx" target=_blank>(President elect Obama has already stated he is FOR equal rights for gay couples under a civil partnership act). </A>  So if you are a reader of this blog and support  equality for gay people, <A href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-the-bigotry-legalize-gay-marriage-for-the-whole-united-states" target=_blank>please take 2 minutes and sign this petition</A>! If you REALLY want help, there is <A href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/148941149" target=_blank>second petition to repeal the Defense Against Marriage Act</A>. If you a blogger - please help spread the word. And if you are not in support of equal rights for gay people, you are probably  heterosexual and have of all your rights! But hey, that's your choice, have a good day! Derrick  Sorles Michael  Snell </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/freedom of speech" rel=tag>freedom of speech</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay rights" rel=tag>gay rights</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay marriage" rel=tag>gay marriage</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay civil unions" rel=tag>gay civil unions</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/john smithers" rel=tag>john smithers</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/human rights campaign fund" rel=tag>human rights campaign fund</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

Crazy Restaurants Around The World! Eat out of ...

1689 Words : Posted 11.23.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/restaurant_in_the_sky_belguim.jpg"></DIV> TALK ABOUT DINING AL FRESCO! This is too wild! "<A href="http://www.dinnerinthesky.com/" target=_blank>Dinner in the Sky</A>" is a Brussels based restaurant that serves dinner for up to 22 people… 150 feet in the air! 
 This is a unique event meant for anyone who wishes to transform an ordinary meal or meeting into a magical moment that will leave a lasting impression on their guests! 
The specially-designed table and chairs are lifted by a crane. Dinner anywhere in Belgium will set you back almost 8 thousand euros; other locations are also available. Remember, you must wear your seat belt, and don't drop your fork! And please use the bathroom before leaving the ground. Check out the <A href="http://www.dinnerinthesky.com/dits_dinner/dinner.php" target=_blank>Dinner in the Sky website for more photos and video!</A> <A href="http://www.pda.or.th/restaurant/" target=_blank>"Cabbages and Condoms" </A>is a chain of restaurants in Thailand. There are condoms on the walls and pictures of condoms printed on the carpets. Instead of after-dinner mints, patrons are offered a bowl of condoms at the counter. Condoms and sex toys are a major part of the decor, hanging from ceilings, <A href="http://www.cabbagesandcondoms.co.th/pattaya/zone_res/img_list.asp">embedded in tables</A>, affixed to lamps and imitating table flowers. As one of the most unique restaurants in Metropolitan Bangkok, the Cabbages and Condoms (C&C) Restaurant has attracted international attention. Conveniently located near one of Bangkok's main business districts, C&C is very popular among local and foreign clients.
"Our restaurant was conceptualized in part to promote better understanding and acceptance of family planning and to generate income to support various development activities of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA)   Profits from the restaurants go to support the Population and Community Development Association (PDA)." 
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/cabbage_and_condoms_thailand.jpg"></DIV> Creator and owner Mechai Viravaidya was recognized by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation  with a $1 million award for confronting “taboo subjects like sex and HIV/AIDS directly in order to save lives." The funds were used by Mr. Viravaidya, the chairman of Population and Community Development Association (or simply “condom king,” depending on who you ask), to promote birth control, AIDS prevention and other health issues in more than 50 countries. Almost 3,000 people work for his private group. Have you ever heard of people eating out of a bathroom toilet and having great fun? A restaurant named <A href="http://www.taiwanfun.com/central/taichung/dining/0604/0604Marton.htm" target=_blank>Marton Theme Restaurant</A>, in Kaohsiung (Taiwan) has a toilet theme and is a great hit among people. The restaurant has a bathroom decor, with colorful toilet seat being the standard chairs at the restaurant. It also serves food in plates and bowls shaped like western loo seats and Japanese “squat” toilets. Customers sits by a tables converted from a bathtub with a glass cover while looking at a wall decorated with neon-lit faucets and urinals turned into lamps. 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/taiwan__toilet_restaurant.jpg"></DIV>The restaurant is named after the Chinese word "Matong" for toilet and is doing really well. The owner Eric Wang says "We not only sell food but also laughter. The food is just as good as any restaurant but we offer additional fun. Most customers think the more disgusting and exaggerated (the restaurant is), the funnier the dining experience is." The meals are cheaply priced with a meal set including soup and ice cream costs from 150 to 250 Taiwan dollars ($6 - $10). How about dinner in Prison? If you think getting into some of Paris's hottest restaurants seems hard, then you obviously haven't eaten at <A href="http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2007/08/31/AR2007083101379.html" target=_blank>Fortezza Medicea </A>in Volterra, Italy. Diners at the high-security prison restaurant (you read that right) have to submit to a background check and receive a security clearance from Italy's Department of Justice. Serenaded by Bruno, a pianist doing life for murder, the clientele eat inside a deconsecrated chapel set behind the 60ft high walls, watch towers, searchlights and security cameras of the daunting 500-year-old Fortezza Medicea,  near Pisa. Guards stand watch as sommelier Santolo, who's serving 24 years for murder, pours Chianti. If you can look past the paper plates and the plastic cutlery, the Southern Italian dishes from Puglia, Sicily, and Naples are rather delicious. Under the watchful eye of armed prison warders, a 20-strong team of chefs, kitchen hands and waiters prepares 120 covers nightly for diners who have all undergone strict security checks. Tables are booked up weeks in advance. Allow about 2 months to book a table. Dinner runs about $35. DINE UNDER WATER in Maldives. The first-ever undersea restaurant in the world was been introduced at the <A href="http://conradhotels1.hilton.com/en/ch/hotels/dining.do?ctyhocn=MLEHICI&id=DIN2" target=_blank>Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa</A> in  2007. Ithaa (which is pronounced “eet-ha” and means “pearl” in the language of the Maldives, Dhivehi) sits five meters below the waves of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and encased in clear acrylic, offering diners 270 degrees of panoramic underwater views. <IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/MLEHICI_Conrad_Maldives_restaurant_ithaa.jpg"> This innovative restaurant is the first of its kind in the world, and is part of a US $5 million re-build of Rangalifinolhu Island, one of the twin islands that make up Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa. This re-build includes the construction of 79 of the most luxurious beach villas in the country as well as the Spa Village, a self-contained, over-water “resort-within-a-resort” consisting of a spa, restaurant and 21 villas. If a breathtaking view is not enough...how about NO VIEW. The first <A href="http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/asia/china/beijing/restaurant-detail.html?vid=1154682620773" target=_blank>dark restaurant, WHALE INSIDE</A>,  in Asia  opened in 2006. This restaurant, located in Beijing, China, has its interior painted completely black. Customers are greeted by a brightly lit entrance hall,  where they choose from several preset menus, which can include chicken soup with shiitake mushrooms, fried shrimp and sautéed noodles. They are  escorted by waiters wearing night vision goggles into the pitch dark dining room to help them find their seats. Flashlights, mobile phones and even luminous watches are prohibited while in this area.  The meal will be taken in this environment with the complete loss of vision. By starving one's sense, your other senses are stimulated to full alert "all so the theory goes" and your food will taste like it's never tasted before. In case you are wondering about the washrooms, they are all brightly lit. Bon Appetit! 
 </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/crazy restaurants" rel=tag>crazy restaurants</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/cabbages and condoms" rel=tag>cabbages and condoms</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/dine in the sky" rel=tag>dine in the sky</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/dine in the dark" rel=tag>dine in the dark</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/hilton maldives" rel=tag>hilton maldives</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

Organize Your Travel Plans With TripIt

354 Words : Posted 11.23.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/trip_it_tripit_gay_travel_vacation_organizer.gif"> I Love FREE and EASY! Check out this new site we just discovered!  <A href="http://www.tripit.com" target=_blank>TripIt </A> is an online service that helps people organize all their travel plans—flights, hotels, rental cars, trains, cruises—no matter where they booked. To get started, travelers just forward their travel confirmation by email, directly to TripIt. TripIt processes these emails and automatically creates a master itinerary with travel plans, daily weather, local maps, restaurant reservations, city guides and more. With TripIt, travelers can print, access and share their travel plans online, from a mobile device or even in their personal calendar. Online travel is a decade old and more than half of U.S. travelers now book their travel online. In recent years, the popularity of airline, hotel and rental car supplier websites has grown, and the typical online traveler has to keep track of multiple travel reservations to organize their trips. A typical trip today may include a flight booked at United.com,a hotel room booked at Expedia and a rental car booked at  Hertz.com. That’s where TripIt comes in. Travelers simply forward all their travel confirmation emails and the TripIt “Itinerator” processes and combines all the related bookings into a master itinerary. Then TripIt uses the trip data to automatically pull information from other websites. Daily weather forecasts from NOAA. Local maps and driving directions from Google. Unique city guides from Wikipedia, Flickr and Eventful. And more. FABULOUS! <A href="http://www.tripit.com/" target=_blank>Trip It!</A> </BLOCKQUOTE>

Obama Posts His Campaign Pledges on LGBT Rights

351 Words : Posted 11.19.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/barack_oboma_for_gay_rights.gif"></DIV> President-elect Barack Obama has laid out his commitment to LGBT civil rights in an eight-point plan posted on his <A href="http://www.barackobama.com/index.php" target=_blank>transition Web site</A>. It calls for passage of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act;  A gender-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act; Repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell; Repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act; Opposition to any attempt to reintroduce an amendment to the Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, Support for inclusive adoption rights; and an expanded war on HIV/AIDS. “Barack Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples.” the transition site says.
 
 
The program is identical to Obama’s positions during the campaign and LGBT rights groups said it shows that the president-elect is committed to keeping his word! </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/barack obama" rel=tag>barack obama</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay rights" rel=tag>gay rights</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/LGBT" rel=tag>LGBT</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

Victoria's Secret Annual Holiday Showing at the...

857 Words : Posted 11.18.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/fontainebleau_miami_grand_opening.jpg"></DIV>What do you get when you mix Victoria's Secret, fashion,  miami, gay, glitz, glamour, Mariah Carey, and Paris Hilton?   The party to kick off all parties, this holiday season!  If you couldn't make it to Miami for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show this weekend, don't worry, it was filmed for broadcast.  Old Hollywood's glitz and glamour returned to the <A href="http://www.fontainebleau-hilton-resort.aboutmiamibeach.com/fontainebleau-hilton-resort-hotel.htm" target=_blank>Fontainebleau Hotel</A> Saturday night as the recently renovated resort played host to the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Which will air on December 3rd. (CBS 10pm ET/PT) This highly anticipated  bra-and-panty giant’s annual fabulous fashion show, left New York this year for the sun and fun of Miami and the glamorous unveiling of  Miami's legendary Fontainebleau  hotel as they celebrated  their  $1 billion re-opening, expansion  and revamped hotel property.
In the '50s and '60s, the Fontainebleau was a bee's nest of celebrity activity: Frank Sinatra played the nightclub. Jerry Lewis filmed The Bellboy. Sean Connery's James Bond swam in the pool in Goldfinger.
On this night, Paris Hilton struck a pose on the pink carpet. Heidi Klum primped and prepped backstage for the catwalk. Robert Duvall and James Caan arrived as a team to work the crowd. Mariah Carey,  Robert Thicke, Diddy, Gwyneth,Venus and Serena,  it was a top-shelf, A-list night!
<DIV id=sstsStories></DIV>
From the humid air to the no-holds-barred attitude, the scene was steamy as the crowd convened to watch the annual fashion show and celebrate the reinvigoration of the resort. 
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/heidi_klum_victorias_secret_fashion_show_at_fontainebleau_miami.jpg"></DIV> Electrifying million dollar <A href="http://www.artnet.com/Galleries/Artwork_Detail.asp?G=&gid=963&cid=97584&which=&aid=424024644&wid=424469539&source=exhibitions&rta=http://www.artnet.com" target=_blank>Ai WeiWei chandeliers</A>  shined on a bevy of Victoria's Secret Angels as they cut the ribbon on the Staircase in the presence of VIP guests, ushering in a new era of flamboyance at Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Fontainebleau's  $1 billion transformation  took an architectural masterpiece into the 21st century with 1,504 new guestrooms and suites outfitted with Apple(R) technology; 11 restaurants and lounges, including a Chocolate Indulgence experience; a 40,000-square-foot spa with mineral-rich water therapies and co-ed swimming pools; and a dramatic oceanfront pool-scape featuring "walls of water" and a sexy enclave surrounded by cabanas and sun loungers. Now with its doors open, Fontainebleau will  surely reclaim its seat as a top U.S. destination, attracting today's more discerning global traveler with its high-end resort experience. Underwear never looked so fabulous! Now when are they going to do a mens underwear fashion show like that?! 
 </BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/fontainebleau hotel" rel=tag>fontainebleau hotel</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/victorias secret" rel=tag>victorias secret</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/fashion show" rel=tag>fashion show</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay miami" rel=tag>gay miami</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/miami beach" rel=tag>miami beach</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/luxury hotel" rel=tag>luxury hotel</A> <A href="http://turbotagger.brainbliss.com">Turbo Tagger</A>

Fabulous Places of Worship - Beautiful Churche...

1455 Words : Posted 11.18.08

<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG style="WIDTH: 355px; HEIGHT: 405px" height=405 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/_st_basils_cathedral.jpg" width=400 border=0></DIV>I love beautiful architecture. And that is probably why I got out of the small I lived in when I was 18. I wanted to be in a big city. I wanted to see things. And of course since I am gay, I just had to get out of that town with one gay bar! But seriously, I love when I travel to see new things; new cultures, new landscapes. To me, that is life is about. New experiences. Seeing as much and doing as much as you can! I am a very visual person and I thank "God" all the time, I was blessed with eyesight. It is something so many of us take for granted. Not that gay travel is usually associated with religion, I have  a deep appreciation for architecture, like I said. - And  there are so many beautiful churches, I thought it would be fun to run some here. <A href="http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1W1GGLL_en&q=st basils&btnG=Search Images" target=_blank>St. Basils in Moscow</A> - Built in the 1550's. <IMG style="WIDTH: 265px" height=364 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/St_Joseph_Ukrainian_Catholic_Church_in_Chicago.jpg" width=400 border=0>   <IMG style="WIDTH: 256px; HEIGHT: 361px" height=428 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/Sagrada_Familia,_Barcelona,_Spain.jpg" width=400 border=0> Above left  is <A href="http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1W1GGLL_en&q=st joseph ukranian" target=_blank>St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic</A> church (Chicago - where I live currently)   is most known for its ultra-modern thirteen gold domed roof symbolizing the twelve apostles and Jesus Christ as the largest center dome.  Next  is  <A href="http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1W1GGLL_en&q=sagrada family" target=_blank>Sagrada Família</A> - a very massive Roman Catholic basilica under construction in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Construction began in 1882 and continues to this day. A very famous architect Antoni Gaudí worked on the project for over 40 years, devoting the last 15 years of his life entirely to this endeavour. 
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/Las_Lajas_Cathedral_in_Colombia.jpg" width=400 border=0></DIV> 
In the remote mountains of southwestern Columbia, <A href="http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=las lajas&rlz=1W1GGLL_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title" target=_blank>Las Lajas Cathedral </A>certainly ranks among the most enchantingly beautiful pilgrimage shrines in all the world. The overall look is really fascinating.
Built in 1916 until 1949 (what took them so long? I can't imagine....)  inside the canyon of the Guaitara river where, according to local legend, the Virgin Mary appeared.
You can find this church in southern Colombian Department of Nariño, municipality of Ipiales, near the border with Ecuador. <IMG style="WIDTH: 395px; HEIGHT: 255px" height=185 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/Cathedral_of_Brasilia_in_Brasilia,_Brazil.jpg" width=400 border=0>  <IMG style="WIDTH: 391px; HEIGHT: 276px" height=221 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/catedral_wide.jpg" width=400 border=0> This is the  very famous <A href="http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1W1GGLL_en&q=cathedral brasilia" target=_blank>Cathedral of Brasília</A> designed by Oscar Niemeyer. This concrete-framed <A title="Hyperboloid structure" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperboloid_structure">hyperboloid structure</A>, seems with its glass roof to be reaching up, open, to heaven!  Built in 1970. 
<DIV style="CLEAR: left; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG style="WIDTH: 379px" height=304 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/The_Church_of_Hallgrímur,_Reykjavík,_Iceland.jpg" width=400 border=0></DIV> <A href="http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&rlz=1T4GGLL_en&q=The Church of Hallgrímur&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi" target=_blank>The Church of Hallgrímur</A> is very very unusual. Construction work began in 1945 and ended in 1986! It's a Lutheran parish church in Reykjavík, Iceland. At 74.5 metres (244 ft), it is the fourth tallest architectural structure in Iceland after <A title="Longwave radio mast Hellissandur" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longwave_radio_mast_Hellissandur">Longwave radio mast Hellissandur</A>, <A title="Eiðar longwave transmitter" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiðar_longwave_transmitter">Eiðar longwave transmitter</A> and <A class=mw-redirect title="Smáratorg tower" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smáratorg_tower">Smáratorg tower</A>. And last but not least, churches come in all shapes and sizes! Check out this out! 
<DIV class=article_text>In  2002 the Los Angeles Times reported that "Praise Christian Center... has been forced outside because of a zoning battle that has caught the attention of several national religious and conservative organizations. 
<DIV style="CLEAR: right; FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 3px"><IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/39531-36457/shell_gas_station_church.jpg" width=400 border=0></DIV> Praise Christian held services inside a converted warehouse at American Landscape Supply on Goldenwest Street until it was ordered from the building because of city zoning codes. The yearlong dispute between the tiny church (15 people)  and the beach city could become a classic standoff.  The city may have violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act that says local governments cannot "substantially burden" the free exercise of religion through zoning laws. - I have no idea why they have a SHELL sign! </DIV>

</BLOCKQUOTE><A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/churches" rel=tag>churches</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/cathedrals" rel=tag>cathedrals</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay churches" rel=tag>gay churches</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/gay travels" rel=tag>gay travels</A> <A href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/beautiful architecture" rel=tag>beautif

SocialSpark

Get Everyone Talking

Summaries